‘ANTI’ is Rihanna eighth studio album released via Roc Nation, she has chosen not to include singles prior to its release on the album such as fourfiveseconds, american oxygen and Bitch better have my money. She has swapped the edm, pop sound for some R&B stoner jams to relax to. Rihanna being the executive producer of this album chose to work with world recognised vocal, record producer and engineer Kuk Harrell and selecting producers such as Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy, Brian Kennedy, Timbaland and No I.D. to achieve her desired sound. The album can be seen as a R&B album with a few samples from Alexander O’neal ‘Work’ featuring Drake, ‘same ol’ mistakes’ being a cover version of Tame Impala “New Person, Same Old Mistakes”. “Never Ending” contains interpolations from the composition “Thank You” (2000) performed by Dido, with “Higher” containing elements from “Beside You” (1970) performed by The Soulful Strings , written by Jerry Butler. The mood is resonant of the good story telling days of motown, country & western with Rihanna occasionally blessing listeners with her caribbean accent flavour, sultry sound and talent to keep fans attention.

Tracks expected to create buzz on social media, amongst fans, radio stations and Djs willing to take this new adventure I recommend first single “Work” featuring Drake produced by Boi Da 1 which has the 1985 feel of Alexander’s Oneil’s “if you were here tonight”. “Kiss it better” is a lovely composed song produced by Jeff Bhasker & John Glass has that timeless sound with wide range of musical instrumental sounds. Then there is the intrelude weed dedicated “James Joint”, tracks like “consideration” & “desperado” which could be sounds of the future in terms of bass, synths & arrangement. Then “Woo” with contribution from Travis Scott in production has that current hip hop sound that has been popular since Kanye experimentation with sounds as an artiste & producer. Rihanna smashes some unusual big notes on this track and owns it. The cover of “same ol mistakes” sounds a bit weird being a 2015 song but think this song reflects everything Rihanna is trying to bring across on “Anti” but for over 6 minutes!!!! Well the Dj mustard produced “needed me” you expecting a club banger, well sorry this is a rebellious song with some aggressive lyrics “Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage / Fuck your white horse and a carriage” followed up by melodic chorus. Timbaland blesses with “yeah i said it” sounding like Aaliyah throwback but with a modern feel and keys to remember being played throughout, harmonic melodies and vocal compressed engineered vocals. Worthy mentions to listen to are “never ending” and “sex with me” Riri musical adventure. Check out timeless music like “love on the brain” a personal favourite with that old school sound and arrangement.

This album by Rihanna is an attempt to show how dangerous she can be fighting status quo of pop, be different and enjoy the journey of getting her own way. This could be the sound of the future, she is a young veteran, and she will not allow herself to be categorised, boxed up or stereotyped in the industry. It be wise to enjoy the journey and listen with an open mind, if you are searching for pop, club anthems this will not be your anthem. What songs get popular via radio stations will be heavily determined by innovative djs, her fans and the way the business receives this brave project.

This is the second album from rapper Pusha T formerly of the duo Clipse, its released by GOOD music & Def jam recordings on December 18, 2005. The album was supported by three singles: “Untouchable”, “M.F.T.R.” featuring The-Dream and “Crutches, Crosses, Caskets”. This is the prelude to his third album King Push scheduled for April, 2016 release.

The mood is set right from the Diddy produced intro opening up with multiple synths, then breaking into bass, booming, bang and hardcore delivery. When hip hop is going towards melodic beats, phrases and tones, Pusha T maintains his steel in aggressive, well put together lyrics with excellent hardcore delivery with passion. Aside from singles already released songs I recommend to give a listen are M.P.A produced by Kanye West/J.Cole featuring Kanye West himself, A$ap Rocky & The Dream, featuring relaxing piano keys, chains, tamborine and a harmonised chorus. “Got em covered” is a typical timbaland production, with signature sounds using various sounds, Pusha T compliments with an electrifying range of metaphors, rhymes and delivery. “Keep dealing” produced by Diddy has a cold, dark feeling where the sound is kept simple to give the listener a chance to embrace tone, lyrics and message. “Retribution” is a personal favourite produced by timbaland, with a shaking bass, featuring the talented Kehlani. “Sunshine” which happens to be the final track produced Baauer/Kanye West featuring Jill Scott opening rap starts with ‘America you need a miracle, beyond spiritual’ setting the tone for a redemption song.

Overall this prelude album sets tone for a grand finale in ‘King Push’ I hope you enjoy it the way I do. Entertaining People Increasing Knowledge (EPIK) building a legacy not trying to be a legend.

In everything we aim to put public there should be a lot more planning, because not everyone is built to handle crisis management. Most of the budgets spent in this world could have been used for better causes, if there was planning before events instead of after dealing with the crisis. Think about BP oil spills, sweatshop collapses with Nike, Primark etc, Barclays interest fixing, the UK riots and the list goes on.

We host events globally and if the correct planning is not proposed, certain high profile events will not be granted to cities to boost economies. Recently it seems the aim is only to make money, not much emphasis in taking care of the public, looking after the environment or building the communities we come from or affect when doing our events. Planning as I said is imperative, ask yourself some questions; What does my event represent? Who am I targeting with my marketing? What am I offering apart from the sole purpose of the event? Will people be safe at my event and am I legally protecting my supporters and myself as an event host?

As said before crisis management is not for everyone, when there are serious injuries, death, cancellations and loss of licenses not everyone knows how to weather the storm and prepare for the calm. Communication is key, being calm, giving information and being able to deal with a crisis can sometimes build a brand that can easily be broken through crisis. A crisis can come from PR mistake, marketing, legal issues, incidents or accidents that occur during , after or before the event goes ahead. Remember events are not just conferences, parties, concerts, olympics or world cups, the average person celebrates or respects marriage, birthdays, purchase of first home, death, change of seasons, job promotion, retirement, change of job etc.

The question I ask is what does it take out of someone to sit down, map out risks, identify them, fix the ones that can be sorted and take out insurance for the highly unlikely ones that will carry a massive impact if they were to occur. Also try to plan events to last with a bit of sustainability so therefore look on how it can affect local or external economy, social circles or communities and the environment. A great example could be a conference or show that rewards patrons, encourage them to recycle cups/paper/flyers they may not want that they receive at an event (environment), social & community being that profit proceeds may go to a community you live in or spent time in or create apprenticeship/internship for those educated in fields of working in event aspects (social) and the economic factors would be creating employment, paying people what is by law required, contracts and also creation of jobs at events like catering, drink specialists (bartenders), cab drivers (uber code discounts) and such.

Be innovative, creative and think for the future not just the now. Alot of these things some already do, alot can be improved. The key word though is PLANNING… if we can all plan better, we can host better events, encourage sponsorship and have sustainability within the event field but as a Jamaican saying goes ‘short cut draw blood’ and ‘the good you give is the thanks you get’… persistence is the way, consistency is encouraged and rewards will not come overnight. Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not! Talent can’t reach opportunity.

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